The pilot, written by "Awake" creator Kyle Killen, centers on a complicated relationship between two brothers who run an agency that solves its clients' problems with the science of human motivation and manipulation.

Slater will play Ross, one of the brothers. A brilliant schemer who was recently released from prison after serving time for fraud, Ross is roiling with ideas, given to rationalization, high-wired, charmingly persuasive and, three years after a divorce, an inveterate ladies' man.

Steve Zahn will play Clark, the other brother who runs the agency.

The pilot is being produced by 20th Century Fox Television, with Killen executive producing as well as writing, and Keith Redmon also executive producing.

Slater's most recent series, Fox's "Breaking In," was pulled from the network's schedule last April, after being initially canceled and then resurrected by the network.